Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Wednesday, November 19
Nov 19, 2008
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SCOTT WALLACE: Citizens Insurance Policyholders May Stay, Even With Outside Offer
The recent article titled “If ‘Opt Out’ Letter Arrives, Do Homework” [Nov. 8, page C8], concerning the removal of policies from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation does a disservice to consumers by not accurately informing them of their right to choose their insurance provider.
COLUMN: Buildings worth more than $750,000 must meet mitigation code by January 1, 2009 (Bottom section)
Is it true that if you live within one mile of the ocean and your building is worth more than $750,000, you are going to have to have hurricane shutters, impact glass or window film which meet the code requirements for newly constructed buildings by Jan. 1 or if you are insured by Citizens they can refuse to pay a claim, or cancel your coverage?
Electric companies weigh: overhead vs. underground lines
From the Gulf Coast to Ohio, the only thing louder than the howling winds from hurricanes this year were the complaints about how long it took to get the lights back on.
Hollywood could give red-light cameras a green light
Hollywood could join a growing list of South Florida cities using cameras to crack down on red-light runners.
While Big Brother privacy concerns have stalled statewide laws sanctioning traffic-light cameras, Broward’s third-largest city is preparing to join a growing number of governments green-lighting local cameras aimed at red-light runners.
Florida Claims Strict Inspections of Carnival Rides Paying Off
With the fall festival season in full swing, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is drawing attention to all safety rules and regulations posted at carnivals and fairs.
CHARLIE CRIST: Working together on energy solutions
This week, I join California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in co-hosting other governors and international leaders at the Governors’ Global Climate Summit. In spite of little movement on the federal level, states lead the way in addressing this global challenge. Canadian provinces, Mexican states, China and India are also moving forward, while the subnational governments in Brazil and Indonesia are taking steps to preserve rainforests. By working together we can create a cleaner future for all.
Insuring athletes, at what cost?
Lee Williams, Stranahan’s defensive line coach, thinks “it’s a travesty.”
After all, Sierra had taken a precaution. His parents had no health insurance, so he spent the maximum $140 for the policy that Broward County offers. Unfortunately, that policy is inferior to the one Palm Beach County mandates.
COLUMN: More see the savings in health investor plan
In the grand scheme of state employee insurance enrollment, the numbers are still minuscule.
But the idea of “investing” in your own health care — then banking on not getting too expensively sick — seems to be gaining tiny traction.
New Fla. House speaker urges humility to lawmakers
Raymond Edward Sansom of Destin ushered in the 13th consecutive year of Republican rule in the Florida House on Tuesday, urging his fellow lawmakers to remain humble in their work, hungry for knowledge and loyal to their voters back home.
New Florida Legislature members, leaders sworn in
Shadowed by massive economic and budget problems, Florida lawmakers held a post-election session on Tuesday to swear in members and leaders for the next two years.
Fiscal pain awaits new lawmakers
Confronted with a historic budget crisis that will only deepen into next year, Florida’s new legislative leaders took office Tuesday, just days before state economists are expected to project another $1 billion drop in state revenue.
Senators relax contribution, conflict of interest rules
On a day devoted to a spirit of openness, the Florida Senate on Tuesday relaxed some disclosure standards adopted in a burst of reform four years ago.
Local legislator to run for agriculture commissioner
State Sen. Carey Baker said Tuesday he will run for Florida agriculture commissioner in 2010, a move that is expected to create openings in two West Volusia legislative districts.
Heads of state parties in Florida draw challengers
The heads of both Florida political parties have drawn some challengers in the predictable finger-pointing and score-settling that follows a major election.
Republican Gov. Charlie Crist recently told a group of his peers he supports President-elect Barack Obama and called for unity with other Democrats.
PSC member Argenziano blames laws for utility rate hikes
In a sharply worded letter to two Tampa Bay area legislators, Public Service commissioner and former state Sen. Nancy Argenziano said utility-friendly laws forced the commission to raise electric rates.
U.S. Sugar land not worth cost, adviser reports
The state’s proposal to buy U.S. Sugar’s farming empire was supposed to contain a safeguard: An outside expert would issue a “fairness opinion” to tell taxpayers if they were getting a square deal.
Florida theme parks feel economy’s pinch
Zamperla debuted its new Surf’s Up thrill ride at $365,000, a new whirling Barnyard kiddie ride at $267,000 and, specifically for the budget-obsessed during these trying economic times, a smaller version of its decade-old Kite Flyer at three-quarters of the old price.
2008 IRSAC Report Made Available at Public Meeting
The Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council (IRSAC) today released its recommendations on a wide range of tax administration issues at the 2008 public meeting in Washington, DC.
Aon Urges Use Of TARP’s Insurance Component
An Aon Corp. official urged the Treasury Department today to make greater use of the insurance component of the Troubled Asset Relief Program as a means of opening up the currently frozen U.S. credit markets.
U.S. insurance regulation in focus amid meltdown
The United States is expected to embrace federal regulation of the insurance industry as early as 2009, according to financial and insurance executives, pushed to the forefront by the global economic crisis.
Lloyd’s Expects U.S. To Adopt Federal Regulation of Insurance
Pushed by the global economic crisis, the United States is expected to embrace federal regulation of the insurance industry as early as 2009, according to some financial and insurance executives.
AARP Orders Investigation Concerning Its Marketing
After a Senate inquiry found evidence of deceptive marketing, AARP, the lobby for older Americans, has hired an outside investigator to look into sales of some of its popular health insurance products.
North Carolina Urged to Reform Beach Plan Before It’s Too Late
Another insurance trade group has joined in urging North Carolina officials to reform the state’s coastal insurance pool before it grows so big it swamps smaller insurance companies.
The anticipated growth of the North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association, commonly known as the Beach Plan, could wipe out many smaller private insurers in the state, according to the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC).
The cat bond market has had a tough year, with the wider financial meltdown affecting issuance and problems emerging with how bonds are structured. But investors and issuers are confident the market will recover in early 2009.
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